Societal reasons why Hellen Obiri prefers living US compared to Kenya
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 04.12.24. | 08:36
Obiri chose to relocate to the US after desiring an environment where women were accorded equal respect and recognition as men
Two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri is flourishing in the US, where she relocated in 2022 to pursue her marathon dreams.
The move came just ahead of her marathon debut in New York that year, a race that saw her finish sixth but laid the foundation for an extraordinary career shift.
Obiri joined the On Athletics Club (OAC), an elite training group based in Boulder, Colorado, and led by former long-distance runner Dathan Ritzenhein.
The club's high-altitude environment and expert coaching transformed her from a track and cross-country great into a marathon powerhouse.
Since then, the 34-year-old has claimed victory at the Boston Marathon twice (2023 and 2024) and secured the New York Marathon title in 2023. She now eyes another win in the Big Apple next month as she continues to rewrite her legacy.
Obiri chose to relocate to the US after desiring an environment where women were accorded equal respect and recognition as men.
She noted that in America, there is a culture of appreciating women’s achievements on par with men’s, which contrasts with her experience in Kenya, where societal biases often undervalue women’s contributions.
"They say that in life, opportunities knock at your door only once. Had I stayed in Kenya, I could have been in a rural community, even running, but the spotlight is always on men. In the United States, however, women are valued.
My mindset expanded greatly while living in the US you feel appreciated and strive to work harder and to grow. Women need to support more women. Today, I feel truly honoured," she said in an interview with FloTrack.
Life in Boulder has not only refined Obiri’s performance but also brought her closer to the running community. Encounters with fans during training have become a source of joy and motivation.
“People here know me. When I train, they say, ‘Hey Hellen, we saw you in Paris during [the Olympics] closing ceremony; you did so well, well done.
It feels so good when people appreciate your work. It makes me want to work even harder so they keep supporting me,” she continued.
This outpouring of admiration has spurred Obiri to new heights, as she balances her competitive ambitions with her role as a mother. She relocated with her family; husband Tom Nyaundi and their daughter Tania, and they have since embraced life in the US.
She is optimistic and hopes that the love from the Americans will motivate her to more victory in the coming years.
